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THE PASTORAL OFFICE 
 
 A 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 PREACHED AT PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
 ASSOCIATION OF THE ALUMNI 
 
 OF THE 
 
 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT PRINCETON, 
 
 ON 
 
 WEDNESDAY MORNING, MAY 21, 1834. 
 
 BY 
 
 ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER, D. D. 
 
 PROFESSOR OF DIDACTIC AND POLEMIC THEOLOGY, ETC. 
 
 IN SAID SEMINARY. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY HENRY PERKINS, 
 
 No. 159, Chestnut Street. 
 
 1834 . 
 

 Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2017 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates 
 
 https://archive.org/details/pastoralofficeseOOalex 
 
INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 
 
 ci 
 
 During the session of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
 Church, in 1833, it was resolved by a large number of the Alumni 
 of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, who were then in the 
 city of Philadelphia, to form an Association of those who were once 
 students in that Institution. The objects of this Association were 
 determined to be : to renew and perpetuate the friendship and in- 
 tercourse which subsisted among them when fellow-students ; to 
 promote personal piety ; to foster the spirit of missions ; to incite 
 to greater diligence in the work of the ministry ; to support, as 
 far as their influence can be auxiliary, the beloved Institution in 
 which they received their Theological education, &c. &c. 
 
 One of the means which were deemed best calculated to accom- 
 plish some, if not all, of these objects, was the delivery of a sermon 
 before the Association at its regular Annual Meetings during the 
 sessions of the General Assembly ; and the Rev. Dr. Alexander 
 was unanimously requested to preach the first sermon. This he 
 did on Wednesday morning, the 21st of May, during the recent 
 session of the Assembly. 
 
 After the delivery of the sermon, it was unanimously resolved, 
 “ That the thanks of the Association be presented to Dr. Alexander 
 for his excellent sermon, and that he be requested to furnish a 
 copy of it for publication.” And the Rev. Messrs. Barnes, Baird 
 and Platt, were appointed a committee to carry this resolution into 
 
 effect. 
 
 In obeying the wishes of the Association, the Committee have 
 exceeded what w T as at first intended. They have thought it due to 
 the cause of religion in general, to the Seminary which we all love, 
 and to the Church of which most of the Alumni are ministers, to 
 give this sermon, — the first of a series, — a wide circulation. They 
 have, accordingly, determined that a copy of it shall be sent, not 
 only to all the Alumni of the Institution, but to every minister of 
 the Presbyterian Church, free of expense to them, save the postage 
 
 o ££ a 
 
IV 
 
 when forwarded by mail. The expense of printing more than two 
 thousand copies has been sustained chiefly by a few of the Alumni, 
 and a few distinguished and beloved lay brethren in the city of 
 Philadelphia. The Committee have also caused to be prepared an 
 engraved likeness of the author, which, they are sure, will be ac- 
 ceptable to all who receive it. 
 
 For pursuing this course the Committee have one or two reasons 
 to assign, in addition to what they have already stated, and which 
 they are confident will be entirely satisfactory. 
 
 1. The sermon itself is worthy of this extensive circulation, and 
 indeed of a far larger one. It discusses a subject of the utmost im- 
 portance to the ministers of the Gospel, abounds in rich and ma- 
 tured instruction, breathes a spirit of deep, and truly paternal 
 affection and solicitude for those who were once the pupils of its au- 
 thor, is characterised throughout by wisdom, piety, and earnestness, 
 and is expressed in that perfect simplicity of style which is display- 
 ed in all his writings. It is to be regretted that the reader cannot 
 enjoy, as he peruses it, the expressive eye, the affectionate and 
 solemn countenance, the thrilling voice, and the meek and paternal 
 manner which accompanied its delivery. 
 
 2. The Committee believe that this sermon will be received by all, 
 as a pleasing and profitable remembrancer of its beloved author, 
 who has long enjoyed, as he has well deserved, the affections of his 
 brethren, and sons, (as many of them may be called,) in the min- 
 istry ; and whose piety, prudence, meekness, kindness, liberality, 
 and other eminent qualifications for the office which he fills, and has 
 long filled, render him the object of a respect, on the part of all who 
 know him, which borders on veneration. That his life may be 
 long spared to be a blessing, under God, to the Church, is the 
 sincere and continued prayer of the Committee. 
 
A 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 ETC. ETC. 
 
 John, xxi. 16 . Feed my Sheep. 
 
 Although the Lord Jesus Christ treated all His disciples 
 with condescending and affectionate familiarity, yet some of 
 them He distinguished with more marked attention, and with 
 more intimate access to himself than the rest. On what ground 
 this preference was manifested, it is not for us to inquire ; it 
 is sufficient that we are sure that all His actions were guided 
 by perfect wisdom, and sprung from the purest motives. Of 
 the whole number, John only had the appellation of ‘ the dis- 
 ciple whom Jesus loved;’ and to him it was granted, not only 
 to be present at those interesting scenes in our Lord’s life and 
 sufferings which were exhibited to few witnesses, but also to 
 lean on his breast at the sacred supper, and to receive, as a 
 legacy, the charge of the blessed virgin from Jesus while 
 dying upon the cross. 
 
 But Peter also received many marks of special attention 
 from his Master. He w 7 as applauded and honoured for his 
 noble confession, that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the 
 living God ; was severely rebuked for his cowardly and carnal 
 policy in endeavouring to dissuade his Master from meeting the 
 sufferings which he had foretold; was forewarned of his shame- 
 
6 
 
 fill and ungrateful denial of his Lord, and was the object of 
 the special prayers of the great Intercessor, that his faith might 
 not entirely fail in this hour of temptation and discomfiture. 
 And when he had verified the prediction of Jesus, by thrice 
 denying him, he was brought to a penitent sense of his sin by 
 a reproving but gracious look from his suffering Lord. 
 
 After the resurrection, also, Peter, notwithstanding his fall, 
 was not overlooked. The angels who appeared at the sepul- 
 chre to the women, charged them to inform his disciples of the 
 event, and Peter; not naming any other. And it seems that 
 Christ appeared to Peter before he had been seen by any other 
 of the apostles. And here, at the sea of Tiberias, a place con- 
 secrated by the residence, the miracles, and sermons of Jesus, 
 he directed his conversation, in a very special manner, to Peter ; 
 asking him three times, whether he loved him, and at each 
 answer giving him a charge to “ feed his lambs,” or to “ feed 
 his sheep.” 
 
 The first thing which claims our attention in these words is, 
 the tender solicitude which the great Shepherd feels for his 
 flock ; a solicitude, which has no measure, abatement, or ter- 
 mination. “ A woman may forget her sucking child, but I 
 will not forget thee,” is the language which he uses to them. 
 In life, in death, and after his resurrection, he still bears them 
 on his heart ; just as the high priest of the Jews bore the 
 names of the twelve tribes on his breast-plate, when he ap- 
 peared before God. 
 
 But who are they whom Christ denominates “ my sheep,” 
 “my lambs ?” They are undoubtedly “ a peculiar people,” “ a 
 chosen generation.” Christ always makes a wide distinction be- 
 tween his sheep and the rest of the world. They are the elect 
 people, “whom God foreknew, and whom he predestinated 
 to be conformed to the image of his son : who were chosen in 
 Christ before the foundation of the world, that they should be 
 holy and without blame before him in love” — “ being predes- 
 tinated to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, 
 
7 
 
 
 according to the good pleasure of his will” — “ to the praise of 
 the glory of his grace.” They are the persons given by the 
 Father to Christ, not one of whom can be lost ; for Christ giv- 
 eth eternal life to all that were given to him. (John, x. 28.) 
 “ And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never per- 
 ish ; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” They 
 are such as from eternity were beloved of the Father and the 
 Son : for whom the good Shepherd layeth down his life. “ I 
 am,” says he, “ the good Shepherd ; the good shepherd giveth 
 his life for the sheep.” And again, “ I lay down my life for 
 the sheep.” The apostle Paul seems to have had the words 
 of our text in his mind, or rather the sentiment which they 
 express, when he addressed the elders of Ephesus in this 
 solemn exhortation : “ Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, 
 and unto the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made 
 you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath pur- 
 chased with his own blood.” This is that “ little flock,” to 
 which it is the “Father’s good pleasure to give the kingdom.” 
 
 The sheep of Christ do all, sooner or later, “ hear his voice 
 and follow him.” Before he goes after them, to call them by 
 his word and Spirit, they know him not, although they are 
 known to him. During this time of ignorance, they wander 
 far from the fold, and the pastures of the good Shepherd ; 
 have no delight in his word and service ; but when he draws 
 them to himself, and reveals to them his love and his glory, 
 they leave all for his sake, and are ready to follow him wher- 
 ever he goeth ; “ through evil report and good report.” 
 
 While on earth, they are the objects of his special care. 
 For their sake the church was established ; and all its ordi- 
 nances and institutions are intended for their nourishment, 
 growth, and consolation. In their seasons of darkness and 
 tribulation, He never forsakes them ; but his arm is contin- 
 ually stretched out for their protection, against the ravenous 
 beasts of the wilderness, which are ever “ going about, seek- 
 ing whom they may devour.” After conducting them safely 
 
8 
 
 through the perils of the wilderness, they pass “ the valley 
 and shadow of death,” under his guidance ; but even there, 
 “ they fear no evil,” for He is with them, and with his rod and 
 staff he comforts them. 
 
 From what has been said, it appears, that the sheep of 
 Christ are now in three states, widely different from each 
 other. One part are not yet in the fold, and know nothing of 
 the good Shepherd, that bought them with his blood. Another 
 part are in the church, or at least in a state of grace, and 
 hear the voice of the Shepherd, and follow him ; but are still 
 liable to many diseases and disasters, and exposed to many 
 fierce and powerful enemies. The third class are safely 
 gathered into the general fold above, and feast in celestial 
 pastures, where no ravening beast enters, and where they are 
 exempt from all disease, and from all danger. 
 
 Another prominent truth, in these words, is, that love to 
 Christ — supreme love to Christ — is the most important 
 qualification of a pastor of Christ's flock. The question is 
 thrice put, 44 Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ?” And in 
 each case, after receiving an affirmative answer, the Lord 
 Jesus commands him to feed his sheep, or to feed his lambs. 
 Is not this as much as to say, none are qualified to feed my 
 sheep, who have no love to me? And the thing is sufficiently 
 evident to reason ; for he who has no love to the owner, will 
 have no real regard for the safety and health of the flock. 
 Among men of the world, it sometimes happens, that one 
 passion becomes so strong, that it nearly swallows up all 
 others. Thus, avarice in the miser, is found potent enough to 
 counteract the strongest propensities of nature. Ambition, 
 also, in others, carries all before it. Every thing subserves 
 the one pursuit, or yields to it. Now, such should be the 
 case with the minister of the Gospel. The love of Christ 
 ought so to predominate, so to possess his mind, and to bear 
 him along, that every interfering, or opposing principle, 
 should be neutralized or extinguished. This should suggest 
 
9 
 
 all his plans, guide all his operations, give energy to all 
 his efforts, and afford him comfort under all his trials. 
 Constrained by the love of Christ, he should cheerfully 
 forego all the comforts of ease, affluence, and worldly hon- 
 our, to serve his Master in places far remote ; or far re- 
 moved from public observation. This holy affection should 
 impel him to undertake the most arduous duties, and en- 
 counter the most formidable dangers ; this should enkindle 
 the ardour of his eloquence, and supply the pathos of his most 
 tender addresses. This is the hallowed fire which should be 
 kept bright and burning continually. All other warmth is no 
 better than " strange fire.” Nothing but the love of Christ, 
 can make a truly faithful pastor, or evangelist, assiduous in 
 all his services, and indefatigable in the most private and 
 self-denying duties of his office. Other motives may lead a 
 man to great diligence in preparing for his labours in the 
 pulpit, where splendid eloquence wins as much applause as 
 any where else. Other motives also may stimulate a minister 
 to great public exertion, and give him all the appearance of 
 fervent zeal and devotedness to God, in the eyes of men ; but if 
 supreme love to Christ be wanting, he is, after all, nothing ; 
 or, at best, a mere “ sounding brass or tinkling cymbal.” 
 Genius, learning, eloquence, zeal, public exertion, and great 
 sacrifices, even if it should be of all our goods, and of our lives 
 themselves, will be accounted of no value, in the eyes of the 
 Lord, if love to Christ be wanting. 
 
 The church is now using laudable exertions to increase the 
 number of ministers ; but, we may multiply preachers ; we 
 may educate them well, and they may be acceptable to the 
 people; but, alas! if they love not the Lord Jesus Christ, Zion 
 will not be built up. The great harvest will not be gathered. 
 
 But I proceed now to what is my principal object, to in- 
 quire how the sheep of Christ’s flock should be fed. Or, in 
 other words, to give an outline of the duty of a pastor to his 
 flock. 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 Our blessed Lord, here employs two words to signify his 
 flock, “ lambs,” and “ sheep,” that it might appear, that he 
 would have Peter, and other pastors, to overlook none, how- 
 ever weak they may be. He also uses two words to express 
 the duty of pastors, in taking care of the flock. First, he 
 says, (Zones ra a^lct /*&, feed my lambs ; next, he says, ss-ol^ctlu 
 to, zrgbGuTCL px, perform the office of a shepherd to my sheep . 
 The only reason for bringing the original into view here is, 
 that the difference between the extent of the meaning of these 
 tw r o words, is not preserved in the English version. The 
 second word, here employed, has a much more extensive sense 
 than the other. It is often used to express the idea of govern- 
 ment and guidance, as well as feeding. No word is more 
 common with classic writers, to express the whole duty of a 
 king in governing and providing for his people. This word, 
 therefore, properly includes the whole duty of a pastor to his 
 flock. 
 
 It will be no how necessary to take notice here of the ex- 
 travagant claims which the Romanists found on this text, in 
 favour of the regal power of their pontiff, over the whole 
 church. It is sufficient to observe, in regard to such claims, 
 that no one would ever have thought of looking to this text 
 for support to them, unless there was a great deficiency of 
 other evidence. 
 
 It would be presumptuous to undertake to give a full view 
 of pastoral duties, in the time allotted for this discourse. 
 Volumes have been written on the subject, and it w^ould not 
 be difficult to fill many discourses, with the detail of the 
 various and important duties of the pastoral office ; but my 
 object is only to bring forward a few things — a mere outline, 
 which each of you is capable of filling up ; and which, I trust, 
 you do fill up, not merely in theoretical knowledge, but in the 
 daily practice of the duties of your office. 
 
 1. This duty of feeding the sheep of Christ, implies, that 
 we should endeavour to gather them into the fold, and intro- 
 
11 
 
 duce them to the pastures which he has provided. Christ 
 said to the Jewish people, “ other sheep I have which are not 
 of this fold. Them also I must bring.” He meant the people 
 whom he had chosen, who were then scattered among the 
 heathen, in different countries. These were not of the Jewish 
 fold, but they were his sheep. They were not yet brought 
 home, and had not yet heard his voice, but he claims them as 
 his own. To gather in these, was the first object of the min- 
 istry of the apostles. “ Go,” says Christ, in giving the com- 
 mission, “ Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to 
 every creature.” “ Go teach, o»r make proselytes, of all na- 
 tions;” and, accordingly, “ they went every where, preaching 
 the word,” and the Lord was with them, and great was the 
 company of disciples. The sheep were now gathered into the 
 fold of Christ by thousands. The Gospel net was seldom cast 
 in vain, but under the direction of the Master, it inclosed a 
 multitude of men. And why may we not hope to see similar 
 effects from the preaching of the Gospel, accompanied by the 
 out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, in these latter days. Most 
 assuredly, if the world is to be filled with the knowledge of 
 God as the waters cover the sea ; if all nations are to be given 
 to Christ as his inheritance ; if all shall know the Lord, from 
 the least to the greatest, then the ingathering of souls in all 
 former seasons, is nothing more than the first-fruits of the glo- 
 rious harvest which is yet future. God’s arm is not short- 
 ened that it cannot save ; the Word has lost nothing of its 
 energy ; and the residue of the Spirit is with him. Why then 
 are we so unbelieving, and so easily discouraged, as though 
 Zion would never arise ; as though the fulness of the Gentiles 
 would never come in ; as though the promise would never be 
 fulfilled, that all Israel shall be saved? 
 
 If this good work had been prosecuted as it was begun, by 
 this time, there would have been none left in the wilderness ; 
 the whole world would before now have been included in the 
 visible church. But alas ! although the church has changed 
 
12 
 
 its situation, yet it is doubtful whether it is much more exten- 
 sive than at the close of the apostolic age. Much the greater 
 part of the world is still unoccupied ground ; and the commis- 
 sion to go into all the world to call in the lost sheep, has 
 devolved upon the present ministry, in all its force. This 
 long-neglected duty, has of late engaged the attention of the 
 church, and some have felt the constraining obligation of the 
 divine command, and have gone forth, to preach the Gospel 
 among the heathen. (May the King of Zion prosper them in 
 their work !) But still little, comparatively, has been done. 
 Professing Christians, in general, are not as deeply interested 
 in promoting this object as they should be. Ministers are not 
 sufficiently impressed with the duty which is incumbent on 
 them. The lost sheep ought to be gathered from the east and 
 the west, and the north and the south ; but when the inquiry 
 is made, “ Who will go for us ?” we do not hear a sufficient 
 number promptly saying, “ Here are we, send us.” 
 
 This is undoubtedly the most important and glorious work, 
 about which the minds of men can be occupied. All other 
 enterprizes, whether scientific, political, or economic, termi- 
 nate on some benefit or convenience which relates only to 
 temporal things ; but the conversion of the world to Christi- 
 anity is connected with the eternal welfare of mankind, and 
 at the same time, would promote their happiness in this life, 
 more than all other causes which can be put into operation ; 
 for “ godliness hath the promise of the life that now is; as well 
 as of that which is to come and is in all respects the greatest 
 gain. And this great and glorious work is predestinated. 
 The Scriptures must be fulfilled, and God is able to accom- 
 plish all his richest promises to the church. This dark world 
 shall be enlightened. This corrupt world shall be regenerat- 
 ed. This confused and deformed world shall be restored to 
 order and clothed with beauty ; and this miserable world be 
 filled with joy and rejoicing. Glorious things, indeed, are 
 spoken, in the volume of God’s prophecies, respecting Zion : 
 
12 
 
 she shall become the joy of the whole earth, and all nations 
 shall unite in calling her blessed. And these extraordinary 
 benefits shall be conferred by the preaching of the everlasting 
 Gospel ; and this inestimable treasure is not committed to an- 
 gels, but to men. You are the ambassadors of Christ, by 
 whom a rebellious world is to be reconciled. You are of the 
 number of the workmen by whom this spiritual temple is to 
 be built ; and as your season of labour is circumscribed within 
 narrow limits, it behooves you to work the work of God while 
 the day lasts, for the night cometh on apace, when no man 
 can work. You will never have another opportunity to glo- 
 rify your Lord upon earth. Whatever you may do, others 
 will arise who will be honoured with glorious success in the 
 advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom. The sheep must 
 be gathered into the fold, and the good Shepherd will cause 
 them, even from the ends of the earth, to hear his voice and 
 follow him. Happy, indeed, will those pastors be, who when 
 He appeareth, shall be able to exhibit a multitude converted 
 by their ministry. 
 
 And when missionaries offer themselves, there is not that 
 promptness in the churches, to contribute liberally to their 
 support which is desirable. And perhaps there is not always 
 that self-denial and readiness to endure hardship, in the mis- 
 sionary, which the nature of the service requires. There 
 ought to be more expedients to lessen the expenses of our 
 missionary stations ; for upon the scale of expense on which 
 they have been conducted, it is certain, that operations of 
 this kind must be circumscribed within very narrow bounds. 
 
 If the Christian church felt her obligations to her Lord and 
 Redeemer as she ought, the whole body would be like a great 
 missionary society, whose chief object was to spread the Gos- 
 pel over the whole world. 
 
 It was the last public act of a greatly respected and highly 
 gifted servant of Jesus Christ, personally known to many of you. 
 
14 
 
 and by character to you all, when on his death-bed, and when 
 heart and flesh were failing, to dictate a set of resolutions* to be 
 laid before the General Assembly of our Church, the object of 
 which was, to make a public and solemn declaration, that the 
 Church consider herself as a great missionary society, insti- 
 tuted for the conversion of the world ; and that henceforth she 
 would make that her great object. The Moravians have ef- 
 fected more than all other protestants, although few in num- 
 ber, because they have made the extension of the Redeemer’s 
 kingdom, the primary object of their association. 
 
 But how many of Christ’s sheep may be still uncalled in 
 our own land ? Is there zeal enough, and exertion enough, in 
 supplying the destitute around us, and in our frontier settle- 
 ments, with the means of grace ? Are not large districts of 
 country lying desolate, as it relates to the institutions and in- 
 structions of religion ? Consider, dear brethren, what should 
 be done, and what duty devolves upon each of you in this re- 
 spect. Foreign missions, and home missions, ought never to 
 be viewed as rival or interfering objects. They are only 
 different departments in the same great field of labour ; and 
 success in the one has a direct tendency to promote the pros- 
 perity of the other. 
 
 2 . Next, let us consider the manner in which the sheep, 
 when gathered into the fold, should be fed. The word of 
 God is, in general, the food with which his people must be 
 fed. The knowledge of the truth, is the proper nutriment of 
 the spiritual life. 
 
 Now, to feed the flock of God, the pastor must understand 
 the Scriptures. And he must feel in his own soul the expe- 
 rience of the efficacy of the truth. “ For if the blind lead the 
 blind, will not both fall into the ditch?” A guide of the 
 
 * 
 
 * The reference is to the Resolutions dictated by the late lamented Rev. Dr. 
 John H. Rice, during his last painful illness. 
 
15 
 
 children of God, ought to have a deep and rich experience of 
 the manifold grace of God ; and should be well acquainted 
 with the various cases of conscience, which are common 
 among the sheep of his pasture. His very soul should be im- 
 bued with the spirit of the Gospel. And he should be of a 
 very tender and compassionate disposition, towards all per- 
 sons labouring under trouble of mind. 
 
 To feed the church of God, it is necessary, that the Truth 
 of the Gospel be preached. Error can never nourish the 
 soul. Error, even w T hen mingled with truth, is like poison in 
 our food. It is a thing much to be dreaded and avoided, to 
 preach what is not true; or, what God has never commanded 
 us to teach. The pastors of Christ’s flock, have the strongest 
 motives to induce them to “ take heed to themselves and to their 
 doctrine.” They should be exceedingly solicitous to know 
 what the truth is, not only for their own sakes, but for the 
 sake of the people ; and when they do know the revealed will 
 of God, wo be unto them, if they do not preach it faithfully. 
 
 The whole counsel of God should be declared. Nothing 
 that can be profitable should be kept back. The scribe well 
 instructed in the kingdom of God, brings out of his treasure 
 things new and old. The Old Testament and the New ; the 
 law and the gospel ; the promises and the precepts ; the pre- 
 dictions and the histories ; the justice and the grace of God ; 
 — in short, every thing which the Scriptures have it as their 
 object to reveal, we must preach. Yet, as in every system, 
 while all parts are necessary in their place, some are more 
 absolutely essential, and occupy a more central, and more 
 prominent place ; so, in the system of Scriptural doctrines, 
 some truths must be made more conspicuous than others ; and 
 must be more frequently and earnestly inculcated, because on 
 the knowledge of these, salvation is suspended. But every 
 part of divine revelation should receive proper attention. 
 The people need to be instructed in all that God has revealed 
 for the edification of his church. 
 
16 
 
 The word of God must be exhibited in its genuine simplic- 
 ity. The babes of Christ grow and thrive only by the “ sin- 
 cere,” (i. e. untainted, unmixed,) “ milk of the word.” This ce- 
 lestial nutriment will not bear to be mixed with human inven- 
 tions and philosophy, without great injury. There should be 
 no adulteration of the truth. No diluting of it. No combina- 
 ation of it with things foreign to its nature. Clear, sound, 
 simple expositions of divine truth, should form the basis of 
 the pastor’s instructions from the pulpit. 
 
 The truth should be preached in a discriminating manner, 
 with adaptation to the state and capacities of the particular 
 flock to which it is addressed, and with seasonable and power- 
 ful application. 
 
 A mere general exhibition of the truth, without skilfully 
 dividing it, so as to give every one his proper portion, is 
 such a method of feeding the sheep of Christ, as will bring 
 shame on him who thus dispenses the word. What should we 
 think of the skill and fidelity of a physician, who should mix 
 up good medicines and dispense them indiscriminately to all 
 the patients in a hospital ? Very much like this is the con- 
 duct of the preacher who deals out the word of God, with- 
 out regard to the different characters of his hearers. Care- 
 less sinners must be awakened and persuaded by having 
 the terrors of the Lord set before them. The watchman 
 must not fail to sound the alarm, and testify against the sins 
 of the people. “ He should cry aloud and spare not.” For 
 if he fail of being faithful, their blood will be required at his 
 hands. (Ezek. iii, 17-21.) 
 
 Gainsayers must be convinced, and their mouths stopped 
 with solid argument. And yet we must instruct those, who 
 oppose themselves, with meekness. “ The weapons of our 
 warfare are not carnal.” “ The servant of the Lord must not 
 strive,” but yet he must “ earnestly contend for the faith once 
 delivered to the saints.” The ignorant must be instructed- 
 
17 
 
 The babes in Christ must be fed with milk ; the mature be- 
 liever with strong meat. 
 
 The mourner must be comforted, and the weak and faint 
 supported and refreshed, with an application of the free and 
 gracious promises of God. 
 
 But in order to adapt his instructions to the various classes 
 of persons in his charge, and to meet the various exigencies 
 of the people, the pastor must descend from the pulpit ; he must 
 follow his flock to their homes. He must teach not only “ pub- 
 licly, but also “ from house to house.” He must find out, by 
 personal acquaintance, the wants and diseases of mind under 
 which they suffer. He must patiently, assiduously and per- 
 severingly set himself to feed the sheep of Christ ; and not to 
 overlook the “ lambs,” who are first mentioned in our Lord’s 
 charge to Peter. It matters not whether by these we understand 
 the weak in faith, or those of tender age ; both must be care- 
 fully nourished. The youth form the most interesting part of 
 the flock of every pastor. On them rest the hopes of the 
 church. They must soon stand in the places of their fathers. 
 They will very shortly have the whole concerns of the church 
 of Christ in their hands. How important is it then, that 
 they be trained up in the way they should go ; “ brought up 
 in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” 
 
 Among all the “signs of the times” which are encouraging, 
 there is no one more calculated to inspire hope, than the atten- 
 tion paid to youth in Sabbath schools, and in catechetical 
 and Bible classes. 
 
 This is, indeed, to begin to build on a good foundation. If 
 we would have the tree to grow strait, we must attend to it 
 when young and tender. Let these efforts then be continued 
 and multiplied. This is so far a compliance with the com- 
 mand of Christ, “ feed my lambs.” 
 
 By means of Sunday schools, now so widely extended over 
 the church, the faithful pastor is furnished with a troop of 
 auxiliaries, in the faithful discharge of his duty, unknown to 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 our fathers, and which should be appreciated as one of the 
 distinguishing blessings which God has granted to his church 
 in our days. That pastor who does not cherish and patronize 
 this catholic institution, manifests an ignorance or indiffer- 
 ence in regard to the welfare of the lambs of his flock, little 
 consistent with sincere love and fidelity to the great Shep- 
 herd. The superintendence of these schools, within the 
 bounds of his charge, properly belongs to the pastor, and his 
 assisting elders ; and when the actual duties are transferred 
 to other competent hands, the direction and government 
 should remain with him. But I must not omit, what has long 
 been with me a favourite opinion, that these Sunday schools 
 should include persons of all ages : all your people, even 
 though grey-headed, should be in a course of regular instruc- 
 tion. The truth is, that most adults need to have the same 
 lessons inculcated, which are given to the children. This, 
 moreover, is no impracticable theory. The experiment has 
 been tried, in a number of congregations in Massachusetts, 
 and the result, as far as is known, is delightful. It is not 
 necessary for adult men and women to be catechised as 
 children are, but they might be formed into classes ; might 
 appoint a leader, or take this office in turn, and might pre- 
 pare a certain number of chapters, on the contents of w hich 
 they might freely converse, for an hour or two ; and such as 
 desired it, might be permitted to propose questions, to be 
 answered on the spot, or to be reserved until the next meet- 
 ing. We are, in fact, all children, while in this world, and 
 need to learn something from God’s word every day ; and 
 such an employment would fill up the vacant hours, and 
 enliven the spirits of the aged, when they are so apt to become 
 torpid, for want of interesting objects of attention. And I 
 verily believe, that it w T ould be the means of preserving their 
 powers from sinking into dotage. 
 
 And if parents could be induced to co-operate more 
 zealously in this work; if mothers, especially, would be 
 
19 
 
 persuaded to be more earnest and assiduous in instilling 
 divine truth into the infant mind, who can tell what a re- 
 formation might be wrought in one age ? And I cannot 
 but hope, that maternal affection, which is one of the strong- 
 est as well as tenderest feelings implanted in the human 
 constitution, begins already to be directed into its appropriate 
 channel. The existence and success of “ Maternal Associa- 
 tions” intended for the mutual assistance of pious mothers, en- 
 courages me to believe, that this powerful and inextinguish- 
 able yearning of the maternal heart, the nature and force of 
 which mothers only can appreciate, is about to be sanctified 
 to the great object of promoting early piety, and sowing the 
 seed which may ripen into religion in mature age, when this 
 effect fails in earlier life. If I were called on to declare what 
 means of conversion, beside public preaching, had been most 
 blessed of God, I should unhesitatingly answer, maternal 
 
 INSTRUCTION. 
 
 The pastor of a flock may well be compared to the physi- 
 cian of a hospital. It is important for him, as far as possible, 
 to know the case of each individual under his charge ; and 
 especially to search out such as are labouring under peculiar 
 maladies. He must not only be ready to visit his people, but 
 prompt to enter into religious conversation with them. Not 
 merely of a general and uninteresting kind, but relative to 
 their own state, — their various spiritual troubles, conflicts and 
 temptations ; and having learned the cases of spiritual disease, 
 he should study them with care, and bring them specially and 
 individually before the Throne of Grace; and should not 
 cease to visit such persons, however weak and erroneous 
 their views may be. And even if they seem to derive no bene- 
 fit from his conversation, he must not forsake or neglect 
 them. Like a kind physician, he must show his sympathy, 
 when he can apply no effectual remedy. 
 
 The sick, also, he must visit, and deal with them faithfully, 
 
20 
 
 skilfully and tenderly, according to their respective characters 
 and states of mind. 
 
 The poor of the flock must never be forgotten by the faith- 
 ful pastor. Many of the most precious of Christ’s sheep and 
 lambs, are found in this class. “ God hath chosen the poor of 
 this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom.” It was 
 a distinguishing proof that Jesus was the true Messiah, “ that 
 the poor had the gospel preached unto them.” And when 
 the other apostles had no other instruction to give Paul, they 
 earnestly requested, that he would “ remember the poor.” 
 “The same,” says he, “which I also was forward to do.” 
 Religious influence is said rather to ascend than descend. It 
 is, I believe, a fact, that a pastor’s influence over the higher 
 classes of society, will be greater, if he pays chief attention to 
 the poor, than if he assiduously courted the rich. The poor 
 are much more accessible than the rich, who are fenced round 
 by so many forms of etiquette, that to address them personally 
 and pointedly, is considered as a want of good manners ; but, 
 generally, the poor can be approached without danger of giv- 
 ing offence ; and they consider the attentions of a minister as 
 a condescension and favour. They also need religious instruc- 
 tion more than others, because their time is commonly com- 
 pletely occupied and their education defective. It is of high 
 importance to guard the poor against habits of idleness and 
 intemperance. These vices are the source of most others. 
 To which may be added, the spending of the Lord’s day in an 
 improper manner. No evil is more threatening in free coun- 
 tries than the increase of pauperism : unless a check can be 
 given to it in England, the country must be ruined ; and its 
 progress here is alarming. Pastors have more in their power, 
 in regard to this branch of political economy, than any other 
 class of men. Experience has fully shown the inefficacy of 
 legal provision for the poor. The true remedy can only be 
 found in raising their character, by instilling into their minds 
 sound religious instruction. There is a culpable negligence, 
 
21 
 
 in most of our churches, in making suitable provision for the 
 accommodation of the poor. In most Protestant churches in 
 our large cities, you see very few of the poorest of the people. 
 They have no place, and they are ashamed to appear in such 
 gay assemblies, with their tattered garments. It is said, that 
 in no country in the world, is there such an exhibition of gay 
 clothing in the house of God, as in these United States. Does 
 not this, in connexion with what has been said, deserve the 
 attention of the pastor ? I consider unbounded luxury, in 
 dress, furniture, and equipage, as one of our crying sins. 
 
 Here, it would be in place, to speak of the exercise of Chris- 
 tian discipline, if time would admit of our taking up this in- 
 teresting subject. But we must pass it over with one or two 
 remarks. 
 
 All discipline is intended for edification, and not for des- 
 truction. Even when one who had been in the church, was 
 delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, the end 
 aimed at was, that “ the spirit might be saved in the day of 
 the Lord Jesus.” 
 
 Discipline, seasonably and faithfully administered, would 
 produce a most salutary effect. It would, indeed, sometimes 
 offend the pride, and rouse the wrath of false professors ; but 
 by this means they are led to manifest their true character, 
 and show what manner of spirit they are of. But on the 
 minds of sincere believers, though erring, discipline will gene- 
 rally, sooner or later, produce the happiest effects. They 
 may wince under the rod ; and, for a time, a rebellious spirit 
 be manifested, as when a child is corrected ; but if the rod of 
 discipline be applied in a firm and judicious manner, the proud 
 spirit bends, and humble penitence ensues. But, when I 
 speak of discipline, I take the word in its full latitude. I do 
 not mean, principally, the arraigning of church members be- 
 fore the church, or church courts. This is the last resort, 
 and should never be used till other methods have proved inef- 
 fectual. That discipline which is most likely to be salutary, is 
 
22 
 
 that of personal admonition and reproof. If when a brother com- 
 mits a fault, he should be admonished for it by anyone who is the 
 witness of it ; or if the pastor, or some of his assistants in gov- 
 ernment, would go to an offending brother, and affectionately 
 warn, exhort, or rebuke him, as the case might require ; how 
 much evil might be prevented ! * “ Let the righteous smite 
 me, it shall be as an excellent ointment, which shall not break 
 my head.” The pastor, by a vigilant inspection of his flock, 
 might observe the incipient tendency to go astray, and by 
 using what may be with propriety called, preventive disci- 
 pline, they might be entirely restrained from wandering, or 
 reclaimed as soon as they had begun to deviate from the right 
 path. The true way to prevent the disagreeable necessity of 
 formal trials before church courts, is to be faithful and vigi- 
 lant in administering that discipline which consists in a per- 
 sonal application of the truth of God, to such as are beginning 
 to slide. And this, though peculiarly incumbent on pastors, 
 and other officers of the church, is not confined to them. To 
 neglect it towards any brother, even under the Mosaic econo- 
 my, was reckoned equivalent to hating him. And there is 
 nothing in the way of exercising this discipline, but culpable 
 pride, and a weak tenderness, or aversion to give present 
 pain, though the effect should be ever so salutary. “ Reprove, 
 rebuke, and exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine.” 
 
 1. If the Great Shepherd of the sheep took so lively an 
 interest in the welfare of the flock when he was upon earth — 
 if they were peculiarly his object when he endured the pains 
 of death on the cross, — if he directed his chief attention to the 
 same subject after his resurrection, while he conversed with 
 his disciples on earth — then, we may infer, that he still bears 
 his people on his heart. But we are not left to inference ; we 
 have positive proof, that the salvation of his purchased flock 
 is the object which he is continually promoting before his Fa- 
 ther’s throne. The case of every one of them he presents in his 
 prevalent intercessions. And in the exercise of his mediatorial 
 
23 
 
 government, he protects, guides, and comforts every one of his 
 sheep and lambs. The character given of Him by Isaiah, he 
 still verifies. “ He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he 
 shall carry the lambs in his bosom, and gently lead those that 
 are with young.” The situation which he occupies is the 
 best possible for exercising a general superintendence over all 
 his people, and providing for all their wants. 
 
 The opinion of Christ’s reigning personally and visibly 
 upon earth before the day of judgment, which at an early pe- 
 riod of the church prevailed, and which has been zealously 
 revived in our day by the prophetic men of Great Britain, is 
 destitute of all solid foundation. In that case, he must, as when 
 formerly upon earth, take up his residence in some particular 
 country, where, to the churches on the opposite side of the 
 globe, he would be as invisible and inaccessible as he is while 
 seated at the right hand of God. The same reasons which 
 rendered it expedient for Him to leave this world, and ascend 
 to heaven, still exist in all their force, for his continuing there. 
 Faith does not require that its object be visible to sense : it 
 is the property of faith to see those things which are invisible, 
 and the greatest blessing is not to those who have seen and 
 believed, but to those who have not seen, and yet have be- 
 lieved. 
 
 Thence he sends down the Comforter, who never leaves 
 them, but abides with them forever. And for their edification 
 he hath established numerous helps and means to aid them in 
 making good their way to heaven. In particular, he has in- 
 stituted the ministry of reconciliation. When he ascended 
 up on high, he gave gifts unto men : “ Some apostles, and 
 some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and 
 teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the 
 ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all 
 come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son 
 of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature 
 of the fulness of Christ.” To each of these under-shepherds 
 
24 
 
 he gives commandment, “ Feed my Lambs, Feed my Sheep ;” 
 and his eyes, which are like a flame of fire, are ever on these 
 watchmen. He sees how every one fulfils his duty as a pastor 
 or evangelist. He takes notice of all their exertions, and 
 scrutinizes all their motives. If they are found faithful, he 
 will not fail to encourage and prosper them. “ Lo,” says He, 
 “ I am with you always, to the end of the world and when 
 our work is done, he will express his approbation of every 
 faithful servant, in a manner which will astonish them. He 
 will say, “ Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the 
 joy of your Lord,” and will exalt them to such glory and feli- 
 city, as it is not now in their power to form an idea of. But he 
 also follows with a keen eye of displeasure, all slothful, un- 
 faithful, and self-seeking pastors. And O ! how he will resent 
 their neglect of his beloved sheep and lambs, at a future day. 
 Dreadful will be the retribution, when unfaithful ministers 
 shall be called to give an account of their stewardship. Much 
 is committed to their care and fidelity. They are the “ light 
 of the world,” and the “ salt of the earth ;” but if their own 
 light be darkness, and the salt become insipid, how miserable 
 is the situation of those for whom they are appointed to 
 watch ! 
 
 Dear brethren, let us remember that our time of exertion 
 will soon be over ; the day of reckoning must soon come to 
 us as well as others. Let us deal honestly with our own 
 souls, and detect and condemn our own negligence and un- 
 faithfulness, and be more engaged in our appropriate work, 
 than we have ever yet been. Many of Christ’s sheep are yet in 
 the wilderness. They have never yet heard one call from the 
 Shepherd’s voice. Many for whom we ought to entertain 
 lively hopes that they are of the destined number of the Re- 
 deemer’s flock, are still among us, wandering in devious and 
 dangerous ways. Can nothing more than has been attempted 
 be done to reclaim them ? Many of them are the children of 
 the church, who have the badge of discipleship upon them. 
 
25 
 
 Do pastors deal with such, with sufficient earnestness and 
 tenderness ? Do they bear them on their hearts before the 
 mercy seat, as the great High Priest bears all his sheep ? Is 
 there among us no remissness, no forgetfulness, no turning 
 aside to vain jangling, no undue attachment to the world? 
 While we preach to others, and are ready enough, perhaps, to 
 denounce upon them the terrors of the Lord, are we not cold 
 and formal and insensible, too often living far from God, with- 
 out free access to his presence, or enjoyment of fellowship with 
 him. 
 
 2. When I see before me so many of the Alumni of our belov- 
 ed Seminary, I am conscious of various and strong emotions. 
 In the number, I observe some who were among Qur earliest 
 pupils, who can no longer be addressed as young men. Mid- 
 dle age has been reached, and gray hairs already begin to 
 appear, and furnish the solemn admonition, that life is on the 
 wing; and that ere we are aware, old age is coming on 
 apace. 
 
 When I look over the list of students, who were once 
 connected with the Seminary, I cannot avoid an impression of 
 deep sorrow, upon observing how the ranks have been thinned 
 by the relentless hand of death. For several years after the 
 Seminary was in operation, it was often a subject of remark, 
 that not an individual of our number, had been taken away by 
 death ; but now, after the lapse of twenty-two years, I find, 
 upon examination, that the number of students, who have 
 deceased, amounts to more than sixty. Yes, it is a solemn 
 fact, that more than sixty of the Alumni of the institution, 
 have been snatched away from their earthly labours ! Some, 
 indeed, were cut down before they had entered on their pub- 
 lic work ; while others were permitted to preach the gospel 
 successfully for a number of years. The fact which has now 
 been stated, cannot fail to be received by you who survive, as 
 a solemn admonition to be ready also ; as “ you know not the 
 day nor the hour” when your Master will call for you, to 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 render up an “ account of your stewardship.” Another grave 
 lesson which it teaches, is, that you should work while the 
 day lasts, as the night rapidly approaches, when no work can 
 be done. “ Whatever your hand findeth to do, do it with 
 your might.” When this short span is gone over, there will 
 be no possibility of returning to correct the errors, or com- 
 pensate for the defects of your ministry. If we could only 
 appreciate the value of our time and opportunities of useful- 
 ness, what energy would it not communicate to our efforts ! 
 Permit me then, in the view of the shortness and uncertainty 
 of life, to exhort you most earnestly to exert all your faculties, 
 and improve all your opportunities, to promote the kingdom 
 of your Lord and Saviour. “ Be fervent in spirit,” constant 
 in affection, wise in your plans, and indefatigable in your 
 labours. Some of you may have what the world would call 
 a hard lot. You may be subjected to many privations, and 
 to heavy toils, in obscure stations ; where, separated from 
 polished and enlightened society, and even from much inter- 
 course with your brethren, your hearts may become discour- 
 aged, and you may feel as if you were forgotten by all ; but 
 remember, that however you may live unnoticed by men, 
 there is One whose watchful eye never loses sight of you, and 
 whose sympathizing heart bears a part in all your sorrows. 
 There is One, who has promised, that he “ will never leave 
 you nor forsake you,” and that he will “ be with you always, 
 even to the end of the world.” This friend, “ who sticketh 
 closer than a brother,” has power as well as compassion ; and 
 has pledged his word, that all things shall work together for 
 good, to them who love him. And in due season, he will 
 reward you openly, for all the sufferings and labours endured 
 for his sake. 
 
 3. As you are now met to renew your feelings of mutual 
 friendship, and to revive your affection towards our beloved Se- 
 minary, I would call to your remembrance some of the objects 
 contemplated by the founders of this institution, as expressed 
 
27 
 
 in the Plan which you often heard read when students. These 
 objects are, “ To furnish our congregations with enlightened, 
 humble, zealous, laborious pastors, who shall truly watch for 
 the good of souls, and consider it as their highest honour and 
 happiness, to win them to the Saviour, and to build up their 
 several charges in holiness and peace.” “ To promote har- 
 mony and unity of sentiment among the ministers of our 
 church, by educating a large body of them under the same 
 teachers, and under the same course of study.” “To preserve 
 the unity of our church, by educating her ministers in an en- 
 lightened attachment, not only to the same doctrines, but to 
 the same plan of government.” These important and desir- 
 able ends, it is your solemn duty to promote ; and, perhaps, 
 the responsibility was never greater on any ministers of the 
 Presbyterian church, than on those of you who are now mem- 
 bers of her supreme judicatory. The crisis is most interest- 
 ing. Much, very much, depends upon the decisions of this 
 body, at the present sessions. It does not behoove me to dic- 
 tate, or even suggest to you, what in particular should be 
 done ; but it is right that I should exhort you to lay aside all 
 prejudice, passion, and party spirit, and with sincere and hon- 
 est hearts, in the fear of God, to consult and act for the real 
 welfare and best interests of our beloved Zion, as you will 
 answer for it at the tribunal of Jesus Christ, before which we 
 must all soon appear. If now, while the ark of God is in your 
 keeping, you should give it a wrong touch : if your measures 
 should tend to destroy the purity, disturb the peace, or break 
 the unity of this extended section of the Christian church, 
 how awful your accountability. If through any want of 
 wisdom or fidelity on your part, this well-organized society, 
 should fall into dissension or disunion, what a triumph will 
 you afford to the enemies of our common Christianity, and to 
 those religious sects, which cherish feelings of envy and jealou- 
 sy towards the Presbyterian Church. The enlightened friends 
 of religious liberty in Great Britain, have their attention in- 
 
28 
 
 tensely fixed on the important experiment which we are en- 
 gaged in making in this country, whether the church can exist 
 and flourish, without a connexion with the state ; and as our 
 denomination is among the largest and most influential, they 
 are observing our progress with deep interest, and shall we, 
 by our ill-timed dissensions and innovations, dash all their fond 
 hopes, and cause them with sadness to admit the necessity of 
 a religious establishment ? Even the Protestants of Germany, 
 are at this time observing, with excited interest, the acts and 
 proceedings of the Presbyterian Church in America, not only 
 as furnishing a solution of the grand problem, that religion can 
 exist and flourish, without the aid of the support and coercion 
 of civil enactments, but also because in settling their own 
 church polity, many of the most evangelical of their ministers, 
 are disposed to look to us as a model of the wisest eccle- 
 siastical organization. Shall we disappoint the raised expec- 
 tations of them also ? 
 
 The interest which our dissenting Brethren of the Congre- 
 gational Union, in England, take in the progress and condi- 
 tion of the American churches, is manifested, not merely by 
 the report of others, but by a delegation which have reached 
 our shores, and have already expressed in strong and affec- 
 tionate terms, the sentiments and sympathies of this large and 
 respectable body of orthodox, evangelical Christians. This 
 fraternal communion of churches, separated by the wide 
 ocean, is truly delightful, and affords a happy anticipation of 
 that blessed time, when all the real members of Christ’s 
 household, too long sundered from each other by misapprehen- 
 sion and s prejudice, shall be united in one holy family ; one 
 pure church, which shall acknowledge “ one Lord, one faith, 
 one baptism,” and shall ever “ keep the unity of the Spirit in 
 the bond of peace.” May these beloved brethren who are 
 now among us, be privileged to carry back to their native 
 country, such a report of our ecclesiastical state, as will cause 
 the hearts of God’s people in the land of our forefathers, to 
 rejoice. 
 
29 
 
 4. Dear friends, and once beloved as pupils, advancing age 
 and debilitated health admonish me that my continuance 
 here will probably not be long. My race is nearly run, and 
 if it would tend to edification, I could fill your ears with lam- 
 entations, that I have felt so little and laboured so imperfectly 
 for the honour of the Redeemer. But I forbear to dwell on 
 this sorrowful theme. In regard to myself, I have only to ask 
 an interest in your daily prayers. Most of you will probably 
 see my face no more after our parting on this occasion. As 
 my closing exhortation, therefore, I would say, “ Trust in the 
 Lord and do good.” Be faithful, be diligent, be humble, be 
 zealous for the truth and honour of God. Seek the wisdom 
 which cometh from above, and which God has promised to 
 give to the prayer of faith. Love one another and pray for 
 one another. Remember also continually in your supplica- 
 tions those who are preparing to follow you into the ministry ; 
 especially bear on your hearts before the Throne of Grace, the 
 Seminary which you love, and the dear youth who are there 
 collected in successive companies. And surely I need not 
 exhort you to remember Zion. Her very dust and stones, I 
 trust, are precious in your eyes, and her prosperity you esteem 
 above your chief joy. But the times in which your lot is 
 cast are characterized by peculiar and striking signs, which 
 it behooves you carefully to observe. The cry for help from 
 afar is borne to you almost on every breeze. The demand 
 for the messengers of truth begins to be made by the heathen 
 themselves. The door for preaching the gospel is, in the 
 providence of God, opened in almost every pagan land. The 
 islands of the sea have already, many of them, been converted 
 unto God, and have received in their own tongues, the law of 
 the Lord. Many are running to and fro and knowledge is 
 increased among the people. The church begins to feel her 
 responsibility, and to be conscious of her power. At the same 
 time the enemy comes in like a flood ; let it be your care that 
 the standard of the Spirit of the Lord be lifted up against 
 
30 
 
 him. Satan rages with more than wonted fury, because he 
 perceives, that his time is short. Christ, the King, has need 
 of every talent which any of you possesses. He that has ten 
 talents, and he that has one, are equally required to occupy 
 and improve them to the utmost ; and every poor service per- 
 formed in faith and sincerity, shall meet a divine reward. 
 Let no discouragement, nor distrust, in relation to the church, 
 find a place in any of your minds. The cause is God’s and 
 he is able to maintain it, and has sworn that it shall never fail. 
 The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church, for it 
 is founded on a rock. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power 
 of his might. Fight the good fight of faith. Watch for souls 
 as they that must give an account. Care only for the things 
 of Christ, and nothing for your own things. If you make it 
 your first and great business to seek the kingdom of God, all 
 other things shall be added unto you. What may not you, 
 who are now before me, and others of like character, effect 
 for the building up of the waste places of Zion, and for the 
 conversion of the world ! Permit me then to conclude in the 
 valedictory address of Paul to the Corinthians. “ Finally, 
 
 BRETHREN, FAREWELL. Be PERFECT, BE OF GOOD COMFORT, BE 
 OF ONE MIND, LIVE IN PEACE, AND THE God OF LOVE AND PEACE 
 SHALL BE WITH YOU.” 
 
 Joseph & William Kite, Printers. 
 

 
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